Swartzia anomala R.S.Cowan

  • Authority

    Cowan, Richard S. 1967. Swartzia (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae Swartzieae). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 1: 3-228. (Published by NYBG Press)

  • Family

    Fabaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Swartzia anomala R.S.Cowan

  • Type

    Type collection. A. C. Smith 2591 (US 1776793; isotypes A, F, MO, NY, P, S), basin of Kuyuwini R. (Essequibo tributary), ca 150 mi from the mouth, Guyana, Nov. 21-26, 1937.

  • Description

    Latin Diagnosis - Arbor 7 m alta, ramulis strigulosis; stipulae persistentes, 2.5-3.5 mm longae, externe strigulosae intus glabrae; folia unifoliolata, petiolis 4.5-5 mm longis, strigulosis, laminis ovalibus, 5.5-7 cm longis, 3-4 cm latis, basi rotundato-obtusis, apice abrupte acutis, extremitate obtuso, supra glabris nitidis, infra strigulosis sed mox glabrescentibus, costa venisque primariis plus minusve salientibus faciebus ambobus; infructescentiae axillares, axe striguloso, 12-25 mm longo, bracteis deciduis, ca 1 mm longis, dense strigulosis, bracteolis persistentibus, 1-1.5 mm longis, linearibus, externe minute strigulosis intus glabris; pedicelli 12-18 mm longi, strigulosi; flores non visi; calyce segmenta persistentia strigosa intus et externe; fructus glaber, 17-19 mm longus, ca 12 mm diametro, ovalis, carpophoro 10-12 mm longo; semina 1 per fructum, elliptica, ca 16 mm longa et 8 mm diametro, laevia, arillo albo.

  • Discussion

    The specific name is intended to indicate the rather anomalous nature of this species; more complete material may remove some of the mystery regarding the relationship. Apparently, S. anomala is most nearly related to S. brachyrachis and to S. longistipitata, the latter agreeing in having the calyx segments pubescent on the inner surface. In aspect this species approaches quite remarkably S. brachyrachis var. glabrata, which has trifoliolate leaves and glabrous calyces.

  • Distribution

    (Fig. 43). Known only by the type collection from central Guyana.

    Guyana South America|